Traveling from Goteborg, Sweden, Avatar descended upon The Baltimore Soundstage in Baltimore, Maryland in support of their latest release, “Feathers and Flesh”, which was released in May 2016. Accompanying them were Guns Out at Sundown, Downfall 2012 and Sunflower Dead.
The night started when Maryland band, Guns Out At Sundown, took the stage. I wasn’t familiar with the band, but they did not disappoint. The metalcore group put on a great, energetic 30 minute set. The band released “Dark Horizon” this year, and I recommend that you check them out and give a listen to their music.
As the road crew set up for the next band, Downfall 2012, I noticed that they placed a set of 10 gallon buckets near the drum kit, as well as a smashed up 55 gallon metal drum. I wondered what this three piece Houston band would do with these items. The band ripped into a 30 minute set and listening to them, you’d think there were more members playing as they sounded much fuller than a three piece. Near the end of the set, each member manned a percussion instrument. From there they proceeded into a lengthy percussion solo that can only be described as rhythmically awesome. Eventually drummer, Casey Bowen, began playing a seldom used instrument in metal shows, the Didgeridoo. Meanwhile bassist, Boo Rogers played drums as guitarist Danny Gil grabbed the mic and began a fast paced rap. It sounds like an odd concoction, but the final product was incredible and got the crowd moving. Overall, it was a great performance by the trio.
Sunflower Dead began shortly thereafter and announced “Welcome to the Weirdness”, which is in reference to their latest release, “It’s Time to Get Weird”. I can’t say that the performance was weird, but certainly a good deal of fun. Singer, Michael Del Pizzo, took the stage first with his accordion in hand and an eerie smile plastered on his face as he slowly turned his head back and forth glaring at the crowd. The group played for a solid 45 minutes and were highly entertaining with their stage presence and sound. Near the end of their set, Del Pizzo stepped off the stage, stood backward on the metal stage barrier and leaned back deep into the crowd as he belted out his tune. Sunflower Dead’s performance was a treat to both eyes and ears and I wondered if Avatar would be able to top their set.
Once the stage was prepared for Avatar, there was a 15 minute break before the band took the stage. Right before they entered the venue, thick plumes of smoke emanated across the performing area. The smoke was so thick, that it was difficult to see the stage. As the smoke floated across the stage, band members John Alfredsson (drums), Kungen (guitar), Tim Öhrström (guitar), and Henrik Sandelin (bass), took their places with backs turned to the crowd and the large “Avatar” sign lit up behind them. Vocalist, Johannes Michael Gustaf Eckerström, appeared last with a wide ear to ear grin as he slowly panned the audience. With that, the band broke into a 16 song set that began with “Regret” followed by “House of the Eternal Hunt” both from their latest release. As I mentioned, I wondered if they could top the bands that played before them but their performance put that question to rest. The band put on an incredible set and it was hard to decide which member to focus on as they all seemed to be doing something worth your attention. Avatar has been a regular on the rock festival circuit, which is no surprise after seeing them perform live. Their tour continues in the U.S. through May 29, before they head to Europe for shows in June and July. They are scheduled for additional U.S. dates in August. If you have a chance to see Avatar, don’t miss the opportunity.
As the road crew set up for the next band, Downfall 2012, I noticed that they placed a set of 10 gallon buckets near the drum kit, as well as a smashed up 55 gallon metal drum. I wondered what this three piece Houston band would do with these items. The band ripped into a 30 minute set and listening to them, you’d think there were more members playing as they sounded much fuller than a three piece. Near the end of the set, each member manned a percussion instrument. From there they proceeded into a lengthy percussion solo that can only be described as rhythmically awesome. Eventually drummer, Casey Bowen, began playing a seldom used instrument in metal shows, the Didgeridoo. Meanwhile bassist, Boo Rogers played drums as guitarist Danny Gil grabbed the mic and began a fast paced rap. It sounds like an odd concoction, but the final product was incredible and got the crowd moving. Overall, it was a great performance by the trio.
Sunflower Dead began shortly thereafter and announced “Welcome to the Weirdness”, which is in reference to their latest release, “It’s Time to Get Weird”. I can’t say that the performance was weird, but certainly a good deal of fun. Singer, Michael Del Pizzo, took the stage first with his accordion in hand and an eerie smile plastered on his face as he slowly turned his head back and forth glaring at the crowd. The group played for a solid 45 minutes and were highly entertaining with their stage presence and sound. Near the end of their set, Del Pizzo stepped off the stage, stood backward on the metal stage barrier and leaned back deep into the crowd as he belted out his tune. Sunflower Dead’s performance was a treat to both eyes and ears and I wondered if Avatar would be able to top their set.
Once the stage was prepared for Avatar, there was a 15 minute break before the band took the stage. Right before they entered the venue, thick plumes of smoke emanated across the performing area. The smoke was so thick, that it was difficult to see the stage. As the smoke floated across the stage, band members John Alfredsson (drums), Kungen (guitar), Tim Öhrström (guitar), and Henrik Sandelin (bass), took their places with backs turned to the crowd and the large “Avatar” sign lit up behind them. Vocalist, Johannes Michael Gustaf Eckerström, appeared last with a wide ear to ear grin as he slowly panned the audience. With that, the band broke into a 16 song set that began with “Regret” followed by “House of the Eternal Hunt” both from their latest release. As I mentioned, I wondered if they could top the bands that played before them but their performance put that question to rest. The band put on an incredible set and it was hard to decide which member to focus on as they all seemed to be doing something worth your attention. Avatar has been a regular on the rock festival circuit, which is no surprise after seeing them perform live. Their tour continues in the U.S. through May 29, before they head to Europe for shows in June and July. They are scheduled for additional U.S. dates in August. If you have a chance to see Avatar, don’t miss the opportunity.
